NOVEMBER 2005 NEWSLETTER

With summer fast approaching and conditions for running improving we are looking forward to greater participation in the club’s activities.  Once again we would like to welcome new member David Hepburn Brown  and wish him enjoyable running with us.  Our licenced runners now number sixty four.

Time Trials

With the introduction of the 3km route we’ve had record attendances of late.  It is fairly obvious that apart from the younger runners lots of people are more comfortable with the shorter distance.  We are thrilled that more and more locals are enjoying the time trials with us.  Our thanks go to Ruby Waters for handling the timekeeping with such good grace. Last week, the new method of recording the times was used for the first time with great success.  However, Ruby needs an assistant to record names, so if anyone is prepared to help, it will be well appreciated. 

A group of runners started time trials in Stanford on 11 October 2005.  We wish them good luck for the future.  Also thank you to Nadia Nel for her initiative.

Road Races

Whalers co-hosted the Whale half marathon on 24 September and Carina van der Merwe, as head of the organising committee, did a sterling job.  For the first time Whalers will also benefit financially.

Whalers were well represented at the Foot of Africa races on 8 October with about 20 participants.  Barry Coombe ran his first marathon in years and despite being rather apprehensive completed the distance with a smile on his face.

The Whale half marathon’helpers run’ was held on 22 October and on a beautiful day 20 runners participated and enjoyed light refreshments afterwards.

Designated Race

The next designated race will be the Dangerpoint half marathon in Gansbaai on 31 December.  There is also a shorter distance and we would like to encourage Whalers to participate.

Cross Country

Rickus and Rosemary Swanepoel, new arrivals from Potgietersrus, are actively involved locally and we should be seeing and hearing more of cross country running in the near future.  Rickus and Rosemary can be contacted on 028 3132461

Club Facilities

Our association with Hermanus Cricket Club over the years has been very cordial.  This relationship has now been made more formal in that we make a monthly contribution and in so doing get a key to the clubhouse for the use of toilet facilities etc.  By prior arrangement the clubhouse could also be used for social functions etc. 

AGM

The Whalers AGM will be held on 3 December 2005 at a venue to be announced.  As a new committee has to be elected your attendance would be appreciated. 

Onrus Gateway Superspar 10km

This is due to be held on 17 December 2005 and will form part of a 3 day ‘Sports Bonanza’ in conjunction with the surfing community.  Participation is encouraged, and as the host club we will be needing plenty of assistance.  Please contact Carina van der Merwe if you are prepared to volunteer your services on the day.

Whalers Committee

Personalities of the Club - Hugh Waters

Hugh Waters, the current Club Captain, has been holding this portfolio for the last number of years.  Hugh, who turned 69 this year, started running in his mid-thirties basically after a wake up call.  He used to smoke and was a wide as he was tall.  Hugh is one of our members with running pedigree.  He has run everything from cross-country to Ultra Marathons.  Amongst other achievements he has run Comrades with a best time of 7.20 having earned four silver medals.  He ran one Two Oceans in 1987 (4.24) and has vowed to do another soon.

Hugh is a man of many talents as those of us who know him well have discovered.  With his virtual non-stop talking on long runs we know that:

Hugh has been a great asset to Whalers and a fine example to younger members.  He has intimated to me that he would like to stand down as Club Captain at the end of this year but we’ll have to see about that.